Archives at the Mall: Northgate Edition

Acting upon a tip received that Northgate had some old photos displayed, I ventured to the mall a few weeks ago. It has been quite some time for me. In the 1990s, I nostalgically recall stopping by Mr. Rags for new clothes, checking out the video game arcade, and of course getting a drink at Orange Julius. With many storefronts currently closed, and the nearby light rail station to open in 2021, the site will be transformed and repositioned, including the NHL Ice Centre, serving as a practice facility for NHL Seattle and providing the community with a new skating rink.

In visiting the Simon Management Office, I was delighted to see over 10 large-scale framed collages that vividly capture the mall’s past. Photographs, news clippings, renderings, brochures, and other items illustrate the opening ceremonies from 1950, and important events & milestones over the years. For instance, did you know that the mall once hosted an 80 foot ski slope? Or hosted square dances, concerts, and fashion shows?

As the mall is reimagined into a multi-use facility with a radically redesigned retail footprint, I’m grateful for the Northgate Archives to provide a unique historical context. From looking at the displays, I am able to see how, 70 years ago, Northgate became an instant landmark as the first regional shopping center to be identified as a mall, a magnet of activity for shoppers, and a place for locals to spend time and share memories. I’m looking forward to seeing the next chapter, and connecting to the stories of the past!